HIT British TV show, Embarrassing Bodies, appears to have failed to reassure patients that their unusual ailments are nothing to be ashamed of, research conducted by Well Pharmacy reveals.
The study found that 15 million adults across the UK have allowed a health issue to get worse because they were too embarrassed to speak to a pharmacist.
More than a third of those surveyed reported leaving a pharmacy empty-handed as they were too uncomfortable to discuss their condition with a member of staff.
Close to one-in-five patients confessed to sending their partner to the pharmacy to spare their blushes, while one-in-12 said they had sent their child.
Well Pharmacy pharmacist, Tanpreet Kaur, told The Mercury that "no one should be embarrassed by their health", noting that products that survey respondents reported being shameful to buy, such as condoms, lubricant and pregnancy tests, were commonly used.
"There is nothing you can say to a pharmacist that we've not already heard before, and it is important to remember we're here to help," he said.
"Health conditions left untreated can cause further complications and in some cases anxiety and stress.
"Absolutely no one should suffer in silence."
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